Twisting mountain and charming valley roads . . . endless white-sand beaches . . . abundant marine life . . . fabulous wineries . . . feasting delights . . . trendsetting shops.... This is the mantra that locals and visitors chant as they describe Santa Barbara and beyond. They liken it to an “American Riviera” that’s almost a country unto itself. So diverse, it offers every possible distraction – even more than most countries claim.
The pleasures begin upon arriving at the Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore Santa Barbara, where it is immediately apparent that paradise has been found. Towering palms, exotic flowers, cascading vines, winding paths and quiet courtyards create a restful atmosphere at this renowned resort. Built in 1927, the hotel has been painstakingly refurbished to its golden days, No detail, no stone, no fountain has been overlooked and every possible comfort and extravagance has been carefully planned. This five-star-rated Four Seasons should be reclassified. It is unmistakably a 10! Thanks to its owner, visionary Ty Warner.
Guests who are spellbound and who can’t envision anything more exquisite should cross the road to the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. It has been meticulously restored under the tutelage of famed architect Peter Marino, who defined the conversion of this 1930s beach club as “Art Deco meets Zen.” Re-opened in 2008 at a red carpet, star-studded affair, the waterfront casino includes an Olympic sized pool and heart-stopping coastal views. Sumptuous to the core, Coral Casino is exclusively exclusive. Only members and hotel guests may partake of its blissful delights. Casino amenities include a fitness center, locker rooms, steam rooms and saunas, poolside café, whirlpool and children’s wading pool. Guests can lounge serenely and meditate on the surreal splendor of this Eden. The Casino overlooks Butterfly Beach – one of America’s “Top 10” according to Travel+Leisure Magazine.
A foodie’s desires are equally satiated in Santa Barbara. The Four Seasons’ Bella Vista Restaurant provides a tranquil setting that’s perfect for savoring imaginative California country cuisine. At Coral Casino, the newly launched Tydes Restaurant features authentic Mediterranean cuisine from France, Spain and Morocco with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. At the helm is acclaimed Executive Chef Pilar Sanchez who returned to the Four Seasons after several years in the Napa Valley. “Santa Barbara is such an exceptional part of the world in its abundance of fresh ingredients,” says Sanchez. “It has inspired me to create a menu that transports you vicariously to other parts of the world yet remains grounded in eating well, in a way that is nurturing to body and soul.” Tydes’ dazzling vistas of Butterfly Beach and the Channel are for hotel guests and members only.
Away from the Four Seasons, the Sea Grass Restaurant is unequaled in serving quality seafood. Beautifully executed in every way, Sea Grass is the lovechild of Mitchell Sjerven of Bouchon Santa Barbara renown. Josh Brown, Bouchon’s veteran executive chef, is happily at play in the kitchen. Sea Grass features local seafood and Santa Barbara County wines. “We heard for many years that there was no place nice for seafood . . .really nice,” says Mitchell. “And so we envisioned a fine dining experience – definitely coastal cuisine.” The results are superb.
It’s possible to view chefs through the kitchen window as they overpower the day’s fresh oysters and artfully top hard-boiled quail eggs with Tsar Nicoulai caviar. Local crustaceans such as spiny lobsters are treated like royalty. Peruse the dessert menu but order the highly recommended Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This most luscious individual cake is from the recipe file of Chef Brown’s grandmother and served with heavenly vanilla bean ice cream from McConnell’s Creamery of Santa Barbara. Scrumptious memories are sure to linger.
Local boutiques cater to the vogue savvy. On celebrated Coast Village Road, Susan Pitcher’s high-fashion dressed is the pinnacle of haute couture. Recently, the shop was a whirlwind of activity with a trunk show of Valentino and Lavin. Just steps away, the eco-friendly Summer for Kids is named for the owner’s daughter. Mom Adriana wanted to create something with environmentally safe products – organic, soy inks, no pesticides and PVC-free. Summer’s is pure delight. And speaking of “steps,” the ever-so-stylish Souliers carries the most exceptional handmade French and Italian shoes.
Strolling up Santa Barbara’s fashion-festive State Street, a full slate of stores seems to chant a melodious shopping mantra. Like bees to the hive, visitors buzz around a series of resident Blue Bee boutiques featuring everything from denim and luxury apparel to kid’s and men’s wear. Their near exclusive fashions are available in fewer than 30 retail outlets nationwide.
On Sunday mornings, the Cabrillo Art Show stretches for several blocks along the waterfront. Since 1969, Santa Barbara artists have displayed and sold everything from paintings and pottery to solar powered butterflies and fanciful dragonflies. Walk, bike, or drive a pedal-powered surrey to the show where outdoor recreation and retail join in complete harmony.
Heading away from the coast, scenic byways wend their way past rural Santa Barbara County and lead to wine regions made famous by the cheeky movie Sideways. Lovers of the grape – oenologists or laypersons – should not hesitate to spend a day or two discovering the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys. Wineries are tucked away in hidden corners and along country lanes. Be sure to pick up a map at the Visitor’s Center. Or use a designated driver. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers several interesting trips and excursions.
The picturesque town of Los Olivos provides every possible diversion from tasting rooms and art galleries to culinary pleasures and gracious lodging. There are many choices but Roblar Winery & Vineyard (less than a year old) is an out-and-out wine-country experience with café, cooking school, and wine, of course! Reminiscent of Provence, France, Sunstone Vineyards’ 77 biodynamic acres produce phenomenal estate-grown Merlot and specialty wine, EROS, crafted in the Bordeaux style. Two regional wine-tasting festivals in the spring and fall showcase all the best Santa Barbara vintages and victuals. Book well in advance, both events sell out each year.
Back at water level, the final mediations begin. A serene kayaking tour along the Channel coast brings close encounters with gentle mammals including bottle-nose dolphins, sea otters and sea lions. It’s almost impossible to imagine a more perfect experience unless it’s climbing aboard the Condor Express and heading to Channel Islands National Park. There visitors are greeted by thousands of common dolphin and thrill at sightings of a blue whale and, a rarely-seen minke whale.
The mantra continues. Santa Barbara . . . Santa Barbara. Floating above the ethereal blue and otherworldly kelp forests, the mantra is peace.
